I just discovered your channel Mr. Calico, and I am enjoying so much your Bob Dylan Album Reviews, I think Dylan it's also my favorite artist and it's nice to see some die hard fans out there too. It's a bit difficult to be a Dylan fan here in Costa Rica and specially when you're 23 years old like me because most of my friends don't listen to Dylan's fantastic music haha. Anyway, I am trying to watch all your reviews and I'm sure they are great; looking forward to the Time Out Of Mind review 🖒🖒 Greetings from Costa Rica Pd: I just commented the same thing on the Bob Dylan album review, I just did it here again just to give you a good feedback haha
The first two Dylan albums I got were Highway 61 and Oh Mercy. This was back in the summer of 1991. It took about 20 years to remotely connect with Highway (and I'm still working on it), but Oh Mercy was pretty much immediate, maybe because I could relate to the contemporary vibe of the production. The song Everything Is Broken appealed to me so much I tried to write a play based around it, though it didn't quite work out. Great video as ever, it was good to hear about Bob's piano style - must listen to the album again. Cheers, James
Yes, Oh Mercy is instantly likeable to all but the most vociferously anti-Dylan listeners, haha! That thick and luxurious Lanois production is rather center-stage on that album and sounds great. Wow, I'd love to see a play based on, or inspired by, Everything Is Broken. Come to think of it, there are several tracks on that album that could inspire an excellent play. Thanks for the comments!
@@CalicoSilver My basic idea was to have that audience come into the theatre to be confronted by a stage literally covered in every square inch by broken stuff, with Everything Is Broken playing over the sound system. After that, the idea went a little hazy (basically from the moment any actors stepped onto stage). Maybe I should have just let the song play and have the audience just sit there looking at the broken stuff for the length of the song, then flash up a sign saying 'The End'.
@@jamesgriffithsmusic Yeah!! No actors, just the stage as described, with "The End" afterwards. That would be fantastic, James!! Something the audience would never forget (whether they liked it or not). Music + Images (whether on screen or on stage) = POWER. Have you ever seen "Koyaanisqatsi" and/or "Powaqqatsi" and/or "Naqoyqatsi", the trilogy of films directed by Godfrey Reggio and set to music by Philip Glass? They (especially the first one) are stunningly powerful. I saw them on a big screen, one film per night, with Philip Glass himself (and his orchestra) performing along with them. Like I said, a never-forget experience.
It’s been one of my favourites since it came out. Blew me away. I was 14 or 15 at the time. Newly into Bob. Felt like an event the day I bought it. Still feels like it as yesterday. Love it.
Noooooo!!! One can't rank Dylan!!! Hahaha!! But seriously, I would love to watch your Dylan ranking. I just don't think I could ever rank his albums because I love every one of them (and yes, I mean EVERY one of them) for different reasons. So of all the artists I'd never rank, Dylan is the one. Well, him and Terje Rypdal, my other obsession. But yeah, I'd definitely watch your video multiple times, I'm sure. I watched that ToddR/Utopia ranking of yours several times, I think. Haha.
I love this album: each time I put it on it's like stepping into a unique, self-contained world, not just sonically, but lyrically as well. Lyrics as sharp as a tack. It's so evocative that I found myself listening to it repeatedly over a two month period recently whilst writing a screenplay. Political World and Everything Is Broken happened to be the most pertinent, but the whole album played its part. Although I've never been too bothered about some of the more synthetic 80s productions, it was a relief to hear those elements dumped for this, and Lanois did a smashing job. Nice one Jeff! Cheers, Ian
Thanks, Ian! Yes, it is truly "a self-contained world", this album, from start to finish. That is probably what stands out the most to me. And yes, the great lyrics as always. There is an interesting interview here on UA-cam where Lanois discusses the making of this album. Have a happy holiday season, Ian! Jeff
some great stuff here Lovely Album .At the time it did feel like a comeback when we Dylan fans did wonder whether he would come up with a strong collection of originals anytime soon.I thought his vocals were well recorded adding greatly to the album. cheers jeff
Oh Mercy, in my opinion, is the Dylan Album with the widest appeal. Most people can at least tolerate this album upon a casual listen and it's a great way to introduce Dylan to a newbie. It's the only Dylan Album my wife enjoys 😁.
Besides being his best-sounding album, I think lyrically it's the strongest album he's done (so far). No throwaway lines, and no throwaway songs (although I would have substituted Series of Dreams for Disease of Conceit). Even the cover is great.
Thanks for your comment! You are the second person in one day to say that Oh Mercy is an especially powerful lyrical album. I love it lyrically as well. And I can definitely see your point, even though I find great satisfaction in Dylan's lyrics going all the way back to the beginning, haha! Very interesting, though....thanks for giving me something to think about. As for the sound of the album, it is my understanding that Dylan was not completely happy with the thick Lanois production?? But then again, he decided to use Lanois again for Time Out Of Mind, so......but I read he was not happy with the way that album sounded either, so......jeez, I have no idea. Haha! I love both of them. Cheers! Jeff
I enjoyed your review, and I was the same when I bought this album. I liked it okay, the first song was good and drew me in, but I don't think I appreciated it as much as I do today. Funny how time gives one pause to reflect or go back to some of these albums and reconsider them all over again. Then too, with Dylan's older albums, at times I think I had heard them and wanted to hear something else--less familiar. That's where some of his new output works. It's funny when Dylan won that Noble prize for literature that it created a stir--who better to receive it? I thought you brought that out well here in examining these lyrics. They are above the normal rock lyrics. Thanks Jeff.
Thanks Dave. Yes, this thing of "reviewing" albums really forces you to go deep into them and re-appreciate them. And yes, Dylan definitely deserved the Nobel Prize (I did a video on just that topic a while ago). Hope you have a very happy holiday season, Dave! Jeff
Hey again, thank you for another amazing video. I love this album just as much. Also I really love the live versions of 'Ring them Bells' he did in the late 90s and early 00s. And the version of 'Most of the Time' on Tell Tale Signs is, I think, just as good as the one on Oh Mercy. I used to always go to that version of the song a few years ago, I guess it felt like it was more intimate at the time. But, this version is just as great to me now. Amazing. It's amazing what he can do with a one chord song too. Again, great. I'm looking forward to your next review 😊
With everyone being at home now, in the house, every day henceforth, and with all the holiday stuff needing doing, it is hard to (1) listen to music on my stereo, (2) watch anything on TV, and especially (3) have enough quiet time to make a video. Haha! (plus I have to remove kitchen wallpaper, paint, etc.) I don't know what I'll have time to do here on UA-cam for the next few weeks, probably not a lot. We'll see. Have a great holiday season, Harry! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (in case we don't communicate before then....)!! Jeff
@@harryzlotzlottos5715 Hey Harry - I'm working on compiling info and such for a soon to be posted (within the next week) video on the Scott/Boetticher westerns. I'm rewatching them all to remind myself of some of the details of each film. Stay tuned! Jeff
CalicoSilver ...Hi Jeff..That’s music to my ears! I recently watched a few early thirties westerns that Scott did for writer..’Zane Grey’...Character actor..Guinn ‘big boy’ Williams seems to pop up a lot in those early westerns.....I certainly will stay tuned to your show ....thanks Jeff.
I'll get to that one soon, Al. I'll do World Gone Wrong this week, then hopefully the MTV Unplugged album next week (if I can), then Time Out Of Mind (which I love, btw.....and his album after that one is even better......). Time Out Of Miind is a grower (or it was to me) that gets better with time. It is definitely the beginning of a new era of Dylan's output, the appreciation of which is enhanced if the listener has some age and life experience in their baggage......but it is not for everyone, that is for sure.
"God" is a no-show, but we praise "Him" when "His" "Judgment" kills millions of innocents. Because we don't listen to ourselves. Should we "thank "Him" for the unearned grief?
Wow, interesting idea! I will have to think about this one, Jason. Thanks for mentioning this. Feel free to elaborate also, if you have more to say about it. I am a big fan of poetry and would love to know what you feel are connections between Dylan and Dickinson. Cool! Jeff
thanks jeff.....another great review......wonderful album especially Side One & Most Of The Time!!
but you have persuaded me that the rest of side 2 is pretty special too :- )
Thanks John. I really appreciate you taking the time to view and comment on my Dylan videos. Cheers. Jeff
this is by far my favorite Dylan record. The record to listen to at night when you can't sleep. A masterpie
Thank You Jeff, AMAZING review, "LOVED IT" One of my Favorite LP's I look forward to Bob's next LP review.
Thanks as always, Kurt! Happy holidays to you. Jeff
Thank You Jeff Happy Holidays to you as well.
I just discovered your channel Mr. Calico, and I am enjoying so much your Bob Dylan Album Reviews, I think Dylan it's also my favorite artist and it's nice to see some die hard fans out there too. It's a bit difficult to be a Dylan fan here in Costa Rica and specially when you're 23 years old like me because most of my friends don't listen to Dylan's fantastic music haha. Anyway, I am trying to watch all your reviews and I'm sure they are great; looking forward to the Time Out Of Mind review 🖒🖒 Greetings from Costa Rica
Pd: I just commented the same thing on the Bob Dylan album review, I just did it here again just to give you a good feedback haha
Thanks a lot, Dave! I appreciate your kind comments. Always great to meet Dylan fans! Nice to know that Dylan has younger fans also. Best wishes. Jeff
I really enjoyed the review
From the fact that you relate to music no less than words
Thank you
Thanks - this album especially teems with musical creativity by Dylan and Lanois and the players.
The first two Dylan albums I got were Highway 61 and Oh Mercy. This was back in the summer of 1991. It took about 20 years to remotely connect with Highway (and I'm still working on it), but Oh Mercy was pretty much immediate, maybe because I could relate to the contemporary vibe of the production. The song Everything Is Broken appealed to me so much I tried to write a play based around it, though it didn't quite work out. Great video as ever, it was good to hear about Bob's piano style - must listen to the album again. Cheers, James
Yes, Oh Mercy is instantly likeable to all but the most vociferously anti-Dylan listeners, haha! That thick and luxurious Lanois production is rather center-stage on that album and sounds great. Wow, I'd love to see a play based on, or inspired by, Everything Is Broken. Come to think of it, there are several tracks on that album that could inspire an excellent play. Thanks for the comments!
@@CalicoSilver My basic idea was to have that audience come into the theatre to be confronted by a stage literally covered in every square inch by broken stuff, with Everything Is Broken playing over the sound system. After that, the idea went a little hazy (basically from the moment any actors stepped onto stage). Maybe I should have just let the song play and have the audience just sit there looking at the broken stuff for the length of the song, then flash up a sign saying 'The End'.
@@jamesgriffithsmusic Yeah!! No actors, just the stage as described, with "The End" afterwards. That would be fantastic, James!! Something the audience would never forget (whether they liked it or not). Music + Images (whether on screen or on stage) = POWER.
Have you ever seen "Koyaanisqatsi" and/or "Powaqqatsi" and/or "Naqoyqatsi", the trilogy of films directed by Godfrey Reggio and set to music by Philip Glass? They (especially the first one) are stunningly powerful. I saw them on a big screen, one film per night, with Philip Glass himself (and his orchestra) performing along with them. Like I said, a never-forget experience.
It’s been one of my favourites since it came out. Blew me away. I was 14 or 15 at the time. Newly into Bob. Felt like an event the day I bought it. Still feels like it as yesterday. Love it.
I'll bet you also love "Time Out of Mind" also, Jay. Another Lanois-produced Dylan gem.
CalicoSilver Yep. Love that very much. All his albums from Oh Mercy to Tempest are brilliant.
A definite favorite of mine. Not sure when it will be, but I think Dylan might be next Worst to Best video.
Noooooo!!! One can't rank Dylan!!! Hahaha!! But seriously, I would love to watch your Dylan ranking. I just don't think I could ever rank his albums because I love every one of them (and yes, I mean EVERY one of them) for different reasons. So of all the artists I'd never rank, Dylan is the one. Well, him and Terje Rypdal, my other obsession. But yeah, I'd definitely watch your video multiple times, I'm sure. I watched that ToddR/Utopia ranking of yours several times, I think. Haha.
I love this album: each time I put it on it's like stepping into a unique, self-contained world, not just sonically, but lyrically as well. Lyrics as sharp as a tack. It's so evocative that I found myself listening to it repeatedly over a two month period recently whilst writing a screenplay. Political World and Everything Is Broken happened to be the most pertinent, but the whole album played its part. Although I've never been too bothered about some of the more synthetic 80s productions, it was a relief to hear those elements dumped for this, and Lanois did a smashing job. Nice one Jeff! Cheers, Ian
Thanks, Ian! Yes, it is truly "a self-contained world", this album, from start to finish. That is probably what stands out the most to me. And yes, the great lyrics as always. There is an interesting interview here on UA-cam where Lanois discusses the making of this album. Have a happy holiday season, Ian! Jeff
@@CalicoSilver Thanks Jeff, I'll have a look for that. Seasons greetings! All the best, Ian
Brilliant album...
some great stuff here Lovely Album .At the time it did feel like a comeback when we Dylan fans did wonder whether he would come up with a strong collection of originals anytime soon.I thought his vocals were well recorded adding greatly to the album. cheers jeff
It took me a while to get used to the Lanois sound combined with Dylan, Trevor, but once I did it was a marvelous album indeed. Thanks. Jeff
11/23/2020 I AM GOING TO SHOP AND THIS ALBUM I WILL LISTEN TO AGAIN WITH ALL YOUR IDEA'S IN MY MIND
Oh Mercy, in my opinion, is the Dylan Album with the widest appeal. Most people can at least tolerate this album upon a casual listen and it's a great way to introduce Dylan to a newbie. It's the only Dylan Album my wife enjoys 😁.
Good point. I agree with you. This one and Desire are the ones I can play in the house and not worry if the family will wince.
It's Dylan for people who don't like Dylan
Besides being his best-sounding album, I think lyrically it's the strongest album he's done (so far). No throwaway lines, and no throwaway songs (although I would have substituted Series of Dreams for Disease of Conceit). Even the cover is great.
Thanks for your comment! You are the second person in one day to say that Oh Mercy is an especially powerful lyrical album. I love it lyrically as well. And I can definitely see your point, even though I find great satisfaction in Dylan's lyrics going all the way back to the beginning, haha! Very interesting, though....thanks for giving me something to think about. As for the sound of the album, it is my understanding that Dylan was not completely happy with the thick Lanois production?? But then again, he decided to use Lanois again for Time Out Of Mind, so......but I read he was not happy with the way that album sounded either, so......jeez, I have no idea. Haha! I love both of them. Cheers! Jeff
I enjoyed your review, and I was the same when I bought this album. I liked it okay, the first song was good and drew me in, but I don't think I appreciated it as much as I do today. Funny how time gives one pause to reflect or go back to some of these albums and reconsider them all over again. Then too, with Dylan's older albums, at times I think I had heard them and wanted to hear something else--less familiar. That's where some of his new output works. It's funny when Dylan won that Noble prize for literature that it created a stir--who better to receive it? I thought you brought that out well here in examining these lyrics. They are above the normal rock lyrics. Thanks Jeff.
Thanks Dave. Yes, this thing of "reviewing" albums really forces you to go deep into them and re-appreciate them. And yes, Dylan definitely deserved the Nobel Prize (I did a video on just that topic a while ago). Hope you have a very happy holiday season, Dave! Jeff
Hey again, thank you for another amazing video. I love this album just as much. Also I really love the live versions of 'Ring them Bells' he did in the late 90s and early 00s. And the version of 'Most of the Time' on Tell Tale Signs is, I think, just as good as the one on Oh Mercy. I used to always go to that version of the song a few years ago, I guess it felt like it was more intimate at the time. But, this version is just as great to me now. Amazing. It's amazing what he can do with a one chord song too. Again, great. I'm looking forward to your next review 😊
Yeah, I can't wait to get to the Bootleg Series and talk about all those great tracks! Having fun. Thanks so much for your comments.
Good to see you back in action Jeff....just a thought....any last western review to wrap the year....😁 laters...
With everyone being at home now, in the house, every day henceforth, and with all the holiday stuff needing doing, it is hard to (1) listen to music on my stereo, (2) watch anything on TV, and especially (3) have enough quiet time to make a video. Haha! (plus I have to remove kitchen wallpaper, paint, etc.) I don't know what I'll have time to do here on UA-cam for the next few weeks, probably not a lot. We'll see. Have a great holiday season, Harry! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (in case we don't communicate before then....)!! Jeff
Thanks .......you have a prosperous new year and a productive holiday....
@@harryzlotzlottos5715 Hey Harry - I'm working on compiling info and such for a soon to be posted (within the next week) video on the Scott/Boetticher westerns. I'm rewatching them all to remind myself of some of the details of each film. Stay tuned! Jeff
CalicoSilver ...Hi Jeff..That’s music to my ears! I recently watched a few early thirties westerns that Scott did for writer..’Zane Grey’...Character actor..Guinn ‘big boy’ Williams seems to pop up a lot in those early westerns.....I certainly will stay tuned to your show ....thanks Jeff.
Just git Dylan's "Time Out Of Mind" CD. I was disappointed...Would like to hear your thoughts or a review if possible.
Got not git!
I'll get to that one soon, Al. I'll do World Gone Wrong this week, then hopefully the MTV Unplugged album next week (if I can), then Time Out Of Mind (which I love, btw.....and his album after that one is even better......). Time Out Of Miind is a grower (or it was to me) that gets better with time. It is definitely the beginning of a new era of Dylan's output, the appreciation of which is enhanced if the listener has some age and life experience in their baggage......but it is not for everyone, that is for sure.
From what I read about this album. Lanois recorded Dylan with the guitar. Then took the tapes and overdubbed all the other stuff.
I've never heard that about this album but I would not be surprised. It certainly sounds at least as much like a Lanois project as a Dylan project.
Dang it! You made me re-buy it.
Haha sorry about that….unless you hopefully end up really enjoying it like I do. 😉👍
@@CalicoSilver Thinking I will. Back in the 1980s, I jumped ship after Infidels. Wiggle, Wiggle the final straw.
@@danwood4631 Haha!! I bailed on Dylan after the Budokan album came out, and it took me 20 years to get back to him.
@@CalicoSilver Using your videos as a guide to later output. Thank you for this series. Have another fan watching as well.
During the 1980s Dylan was mostly off his head.
Hit me to the core right off.
Such a powerful album indeed. Took some time with me, but eventually it hit me to the core as well, Candy. Amazing. Cheers. Jeff
@@CalicoSilver Confession, I love most of Dylan's stuff. Can't say that about many.
@@candywarmuth6241 Same here!
"God" is a no-show, but we praise "Him" when "His" "Judgment" kills millions of innocents. Because we don't listen to ourselves.
Should we "thank "Him" for the unearned grief?
The decision to hold tight to religious tradition certainly seems very odd and hard to fathom sometimes, yes.
Maybe "God" is "ourselves" ?
I think everything is broken; is inspired by Emily Dickinson..
Wow, interesting idea! I will have to think about this one, Jason. Thanks for mentioning this. Feel free to elaborate also, if you have more to say about it. I am a big fan of poetry and would love to know what you feel are connections between Dylan and Dickinson. Cool! Jeff
She wrote a poem with the lines broken through it. I read it 20 years ago....
Does the title come from Roy Orbison.. Mercy..
@@CalicoSilver it's alright ma..was inspired by the liverpool poets..
Coat..reminds me of Poe or Walter de la mare..